Last Updated on October 2, 2019
There has been immense evolution in the world of photography over the last few years. Today, one of the most popular genres for photographers is boudoir photography, which experts would like to describe as an elevated form of portrait photography that combines, fashion, glamor, art and sexy styles.
Video credit: Michael Sasser
Boudoir photography has actually been around since the 1900s, but it has made a comeback today with the growing interest for intimate yet classy photographs.
So if you’re a photographer, you’d definitely want to master the skill of capturing boudoir shots beginning with these tips and tricks:
The right camera equipment
Your first question would probably be, “what camera do I use?” Boudoir photography doesn’t actually require some complex equipment. It will depend on the type of shots that you want to get and how you work with what you already have.
A standard DSLR with a full or cropped frame will already do the job. You can also explore your mirrorless system to take some good shots. Most photographers like to see a 50mm lens for boudoir shoots because it is easy to work with and produces sharp images. The goal here is to capture your subject with the environment rather than just focusing on the subject itself, which is typical in portraiture photography.
You can also play with different apertures, focal lengths and field of views. Remember that you have to get full body and headshots, so make sure that your lens is versatile enough to get the job done for you.
The right perspective
Any expert boudoir photographer will tell you to shoot from your subject’s perspective and not your own. This is one of the things that make this type of photography unique because it’s all about showcasing the things that make your subject feel sexy and beautiful.
Before you start your shoot, talk to your subject about her favorite angles and the parts of her body that she feels less confident in. This will help you create a concept that will showcase her best assets and hide her flaws. It will also make directing your subject easier because you can evoke emotions in her that will make her feel sexy.
The right lighting
As with any style of photography, lighting plays a huge role in the outcome of your images. Boudoir photography is all about setting the mood with good lighting.
Remember that a light that’s too high can cause ugly shadows beneath the eyes while a light that’s from below creates a haunted image. Also, diffused window light is your best option because it makes skin glow like no other light can.
The right positioning
Since you’ll be playing with as little props as possible, you have to figure out how to position your subject properly. As a photographer, you already know that anything close to the camera will look larger, especially if you’re using a wide-angle lens. Keep this in mind when positioning your subject to minimize zooming in unflattering areas.
It’s also very important to use your model’s arms and legs wisely to create beautiful shapes that will make your photographs look better. If you watch lingerie models closely, you’ll see how they can create beautiful triangles and other shapes using their arms and legs during boudoir shoots.
Finally, you need to create different shots so you have more options to choose from. Close-up shoots are for highlighting your subject’s favorite features while ¾ and full-length shots are for playing with different angles along with good lighting.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with giving your model free reign on what she wants to wear for the shoot. If she feels comfortable and sexy with what she’s wearing, it will easily reflect on her photographs.
